(Foreword: this is the continuation of our response to the letter of Razzie of DDS regarding her concerns on the itching of her nipples.)
DEAR Razzie of DDS,
Now, we are finally at the last stretch of getting to know why might your nipples itch. Here are more interesting reasons why those nipples are giving you that itch you want to pinch.
10. Radiation
Radiation treatments for breast cancer can lead to severe itching in your breasts and nipples, even after the said treatments end. This is because radiation does not only kill cancer cells, but also kills your other skin cells which causes dryness, burning, and itching as the skin starts to peel off. If ever this happens, all you have to do is to massage the area with an ice cube, wear soft, loose-fitting clothes, and you have to drink plenty of fluids. Some oral antihistamines can probably help you.
You might also check with your doctor for some corticosteroid creams that you can apply to your skin to help you fight those itchiness.
But, I don’t think this is your situation. You didn’t mention anything about cancer treatments that you are undergoing in your breasts. So, I believe this is a far out situation in your part.
11. Paget's Disease
This is a rare form of breast cancer which starts in the breast ducts and spreads to the nipple and nearby area. This can look like a lot that of eczema, with such crusting, scaling and itchiness of the skin. But, here, it often just affects just one nipple. Along with the itchiness, there can also be blood or yellow discharges. Now, if those rashes don’t respond to eczema treatments, you may need biopsy of a tissue sample just to make you be sure of your situation.
I know this is rare. But, don’t just think, it won’t happen to you just because this is rare. So, especially if this is also coupled with blood and yellow discharges, check with your physician as soon as possible.
12. Benign Tumor
Some noncancerous tumor in the breast duct can also give you that itchy and crusted nipple. Here, you may feel some small lumps in your breast or notice a clear or bloody discharge from your nipple. To be sure, see your physician to sort out what is happening to your breast ducts with X-ray, ultrasound, mammogram, or biopsy.
Again, whatever is the reason of your nipple itchiness, if you’ve been using over-the-counter products for a couple of weeks and the itch isn’t gone, don’t wait any longer, check with your physician.
Good luck!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o SunStar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)